Sign Up for the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) on December 7th!

Observation: Franklin Basin

Observation Date
2/24/2024
Observer Name
Toby Weed
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin
Location Name or Route
Franklin Basin--> Boss--> Whites--->Steep
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Stayed pretty cool in the shade
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Riding in a couple feet of nice settled powder that accumulated on Wednesday.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
I noticed some minor drifting of the surface snow in exposed upper elevation terrrain
Comments
I rode all over in the Franklin Basin Area (Steep, Boss, and White's) in nice powder and saw no significant recent avalanche activity. The snow was generally stable with numerous steep slopes well tested by riders in the last few days.I noticed sparkly surface hoar in sheltered northerly terrain.
The southwest winds were strong enough to drift some surface snow in exposed upper-elevation terrain. Drifting had filled in some recent tracks with supportable snow that was much stiffer than the surrounding powder.
I found generally stable snow and LOW danger, especially in north-facing terrain where the snow was still powder. Drifting was occurring, and small avalanches of wind-drifted snow and cornice falls were probably possible in some exposed upper-elevation terrain. So, probably MODERATE danger at upper elevations.....
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate